FUNDING

UN Decade Youth Task Force Microgrant Call for Applications (total of 10 microgrants of up to USD 1,000 each will be awarded)

Ednah Carrick December 2, 2025

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Closing Date: 31 December 2025

UN Decade Youth Task Force Microgrant Call for Applications (total of 10 microgrants of up to USD 1,000 each will be awarded)

Applications are now open for the UNDECADE Youth Task Force (YTF) Microgrants for Ecosystem Restoration 2026

Overview

The UN Decade Youth Task Force is pleased to announce the 2026 Call for Micro-Grant applications towards ecosystem restoration efforts. This Youth Task Force Microgrant call is a strategic partnership supported by the UNEP & FAO, designed by the Youth Task Force to empower youth-led organisations that aim to advance the UN DECADE goals with young people at the forefront.

This initiative supports restoration of Farmlands, Forests, Freshwater, Grasslands, Shrublands & Savannahs, Mountains, Oceans & Coasts, Peatlands, and Urban Areas through youth-led action.
A total of 10 microgrants of up to USD 1,000 each will be awarded.
The majority of funds (80%) will go to the Global South, with 20% allocated to the Global North.

Programme Highlights:

Grant Amounts: 1000USD
Target: Youth-led organisations

Grant Objectives

Projects funded under this Youth Task Force Microgrant Call must align with the following SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) objectives:

Restore or rehabilitate at least one of the following- Farmlands, Forests, Freshwater, Grasslands, Shrublands & Savannahs, Mountains, Oceans & Coasts, Peatlands, and Urban Areas
Engage youth and community members in restoration or conservation activities by the end of the project.
Implement at least one sustainable land or water management practice based on recognized ecological best practices.
Establish a sustainability plan ensuring continued restoration efforts beyond the funding period.

Expected Ecological and Restoration Outcomes

Projects should demonstrate clear ecological benefits, including but not limited to:

Increased native vegetation cover and improved soil structure.
Enhanced biodiversity through habitat restoration or species reintroduction. Improved freshwater quality or watershed stability.
Strengthened climate resilience of local communities.
Empowered youth and communities in ecosystem stewardship.

Alignment with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Projects must contribute to at least 1 or more of UN Decade’s three core goals:

Prevent the loss and degradation of intact ecosystems.
Halt degradation through conservation and protection measures.
Reverse degradation through restoration and sustainable management.

Methodology and Best Practices

Proposals must demonstrate feasible, evidence-based approaches, such as:

Participatory and inclusive project design with local communities and youth. Use of nature-based solutions and native species.
Locally appropriate restoration techniques drawn from best ecological practices. Simple monitoring indicators (e.g., area restored, number of trees planted, biodiversity or soil improvement metrics).
Respect for traditional and Indigenous ecological knowledge.

Innovation and Replicability

Preference will be given to projects that:

Apply innovative, low-cost, and community-driven solutions.
Combine traditional ecological knowledge with modern restoration tools.
Create replicable models that can be scaled or adapted to other areas/regions.

Eligibility Criteria

Legal Status: Applicant must be a registered organization (proof of registration required).
Youth Leadership: Projects must be led by individuals under 35 years old.
Geographical Focus: 80% of grants dedicated to the Global South & 20% to the Global North
Ecosystem Scope: Must address at least one ecosystem category under the UN Decade (Farmlands, Forests, Freshwater, Grasslands, Shrublands & Savannahs, Mountains, Oceans & Coasts, Peatlands, and Urban Areas)
Implementation Period: Projects must be completed between February and July 2026. Budget: Maximum of USD 1,000 per project.

Non-Eligible Activities and Expenses

The UN Decade YTF will not fund the following:

Participation or organization of conferences, seminars, or workshops
Salaries, stipends, or honoraria for staff or project members.
Purchase of equipment not directly related to restoration activities.
Scholarships, fellowships, or tuition fees.
Activities inconsistent with environmental or ethical standards of the UN Decade.